As the world's second-largest economy has shown signs of a V-shaped recovery from the coronavirus outbreak, China's ambition to set up a mega economic zone involving its territory Hong Kong has created a ripple among Beijing watchers.
Some analysts warn that if China realizes the "Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area" project, the advent of such an attractive investment destination may provide a window of opportunity for Beijing to bolster its economic influence in the world.
As the world's most populous nation is expected to maintain growth momentum, many global firms will continue investing in China regardless of its communist ideology, which in turn could further undermine Hong Kong's status as an international financial hub.